It’s important to select the right attire for activities in your itinerary to get the most out of your experience and stay safe and healthy on your tour. We’ve prepared a guideline to help you decide what’s best to wear for each activity.
You should wear comfortable loose and light clothing for all trekking and hiking activities. We suggest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to avoid sunburn. A hat is also a handy protection from sun, as are sunglasses and a generous amount of sunscreen. During the rainy season high socks and long trousers can help against leeches.
You should also wear comfortable shoes for trekking and hiking which can be either proper trekking/hiking shoes, hiking sandals, or sneakers/tennis shoes. When deciding on footwear for your trekking or hiking activity, you should keep in mind that trails can be slippery especially during rainy season, so the soles of your shoes have to be non-slippery. There are also leeches in the woods and rice paddies during the rainy season, so we recommend completely closed shoes, not trekking sandals during this season. You should never buy new shoes for trekking and hiking activities, but always bring worn shoes that are comfortable to wear.
Bring a small and light backpack with you for all trekking and hiking activities to carry the essentials you need for the trek, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, etc. Don’t bring a shoulder bag or carry anything in your hands.
If cycling is on your itinerary, you should wear clothes that will protect you from the sun as you will mostly cycle in direct sunlight. You should also use sunscreen and wear sunglasses. Helmets are provided and while it’s your choice if you wear them or not, we recommend wearing them.
When deciding on footwear for cycling, you should choose something comfortable. We don’t recommend flip flops which can slip off your feet. You should also carry a small and light backpack with water and anything else you might need for this activity.
You will spend most of the time in direct sunlight if you go on a motorbiking tour and even though you might feel like wearing shorts and sleeveless top on a hot day, we do not recommend this. We suggest that you wear long trousers from a thicker material as burns from exposed exhaust pipes are quite common. You should also wear good and robust shoes, preferably but not necessarily boots. You can wear a jacket or a windbreaker on top. If you think this is too much, you can also wear short sleeves, but do use plenty of sunscreen in this case. You should also wear sunglasses, not just for sun protection, but also to protect your eyes from dust and particles.
We provide helmets and shin and elbow guards. Guards are provided on request while helmets are mandatory.
Bring a small and moderately light backpack with essentials for your trip.
If you aren’t skilled at riding a motorbike, we can get a driver for you and you can go on the tour as a passenger. Please note that a motorbiking tour is not the right occasion to learn how to ride a motorbike, so do get a driver if you don’t have any experiences.
Bring your swimming suit, towel and a change of clothes as you will get wet during water sports. You will also be in the sun, so make sure to apply sunscreen before water activities. You can go barefoot or wear open shoes that don’t hold water and can’t slip off your feet.
Keep in mind that tribal people are very modest and especially older community members always cover their shoulders and knees. While this is not a requirement, it does show your respect towards local communities if you cover your shoulders and knees as well. If you have any items to donate for tribal villagers, you can bring the with you and donate them directly. Here is a list of items that are always welcome in local communities.
Tribal people can be shy and reserved when meeting foreigners, so don’t feel offended if they don’t come to say hi and talk with you. (Although children are very open and enthusiastic about meeting foreigners.) If you would like to talk with villagers and ask them about their lives, let your guide know and he will interpret for you.
Whether your visit to elephant camp includes bareback elephant riding or not, you should wear comfortable clothes and trousers that are a bit thicker and cover at least your knees. Long trousers made of thick cotton are preferred. Do not wear clothes that become heavy when wet and do not wear shorts.
Elephants have spiky hair that can irritate skin upon contact and elephant rash is a common occurrence after a visit to elephant camp if you don’t dress appropriately.
Expect to get thoroughly soaked when washing the elephants who will happily spray you with water during their favourite activity. Therefore, you should have a towel and a change of clothes handy after you finish this activity.
Do not wear shoes that retain water. Light sandals that can’t fall off your feet are preferred. If you don’t have them, you can also go barefoot.
You can go on a Jeep tour as a driver or as a passenger. In the first case, you will need to bring a valid international driving license and make sure you know rules for driving in Thailand. In both cases, dress comfortably as you will be spending most of the day in the Jeep.
When going on a city tour in Thailand either wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees or have them ready. You will need them for visiting temples and only larger temples will provide them for you. Wear a hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen to avoid sunburns and heat strokes. You should also carry water to keep hydrated.